Roundup: Rainy day fund / Tulane’s engineering return / Faster EV charging

Nearing $1.4B: Louisiana’s Budget Stabilization Fund has reached a record nearly $1.4 billion, including about $167 million in new deposits from the state’s fiscal 2025 surplus and investment earnings. The fund, which helps cushion the state against revenue downturns and budget deficits, is approaching its constitutional ceiling and could also strengthen Louisiana’s borrowing position by providing a larger fiscal cushion. The growth follows years of budget surpluses, even as rainy day reserves have begun declining in many states from pandemic-era highs. The Center Square has the full story.

Tech talent pipeline: Tulane University will bring back bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering in fall 2027, expanding its engineering offerings around fields such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and quantum technology. The programs will integrate artificial intelligence and computation from the first year while providing hands-on laboratory, design and research opportunities tied to industries including aerospace, energy, automation and electronics. The expansion comes as Tulane grows its School of Science and Engineering, which has increased enrollment and faculty while adding new engineering programs and strengthening its focus on workforce development.

AI-powered technology: Chinese automaker Geely has unveiled AI-powered EV charging technology it says can charge a battery from 10% to 70% in four and a half minutes and to 97% in close to nine minutes, intensifying competition with BYD over charging speed. The system uses an AI model developed with StepFun to predict battery temperatures and adjust charging power, while Geely’s new charging stations can deliver up to 2,250 kilowatts per charging gun. The Wall Street Journal has the full story.